Extractor for firearms

ABSTRACT

An extractor for a firearm. The extractor includes an extractor body, an edge at a first end of the extractor body, a pivot at a second end of the extractor body, opposite the first end, and a locking portion. The extractor edge is configured to engage a bullet casing. The pivot is configured to permit the extractor to pivot about a first axis and to pivot about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis when the extractor is installed within a firearm slide. The locking portion is configured to engage with a corresponding locking element in the firearm slide.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of and claims priority toU.S. application Ser. No. 15/257,454, filed on Sep. 6, 2016, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to bullet casing extraction systems in firearms.

BACKGROUND

Firearm extractors are used to remove bullet casings from the chamber offirearms. An extractor engages a rim or extractor groove of a bulletcasing, and, during a cocking or recoil action of a firearm bolt orslide, pulls an empty casing from the firearm's chamber in preparationfor loading a subsequent cartridge.

SUMMARY

In general, innovative aspects of the subject matter described in thisspecification include an extractor for a firearm. The extractor includesan extractor body, an edge at a first end of the extractor body, a pivotat a second end of the extractor body, opposite the first end, and alocking portion. The extractor edge is configured to engage a bulletcasing. The pivot is configured to permit the extractor to pivot about afirst axis and to pivot about a second axis that is orthogonal to thefirst axis when the extractor is installed within a firearm slide. Thelocking portion is configured to engage with a corresponding lockingelement in the firearm slide. This and other implementations can eachoptionally include one or more of the following features.

In some implementations, the locking portion is configured to engagewith the corresponding locking element in the slide when the extractoris pivoted into a first position about the second axis.

In some implementations, the second axis is substantially aligned with awidth of the extractor body extending between an external surface of theextractor and an internal surface of the extractor.

In some implementations, the extractor is prevented from pivoting aboutthe first axis when the extractor is in the first position about thesecond axis, and the extractor is free to pivot about the first axiswhen the extractor is in a second position about the second axis.

In some implementations, the locking portion is a first portion of anupper surface of the extractor that is adjacent to a second portion ofthe upper surface that is beveled. In some implementations, the beveledsecond portion of the upper surface defines a locking surface on thelocking portion.

In some implementations, the pivot is dome shaped.

In some implementations, the extractor is configured to pivot into thefirst position about the second axis under recoil forces of a firearm.

In some implementations, the first position about the second axis is alocked position and a second position about the second axis is anunlocked position.

In some implementations, a portion of the extractor is narrower than anextractor housing in the firearm slide so as to permit the extractor topivot about the second axis when installed within the firearm slide.

A second general aspect can be embodied in a cartridge case extractionsystem for a firearm. The cartridge case extraction system includes afirearm slide, and an extractor. The extractor is installed within thefirearm slide such that the extractor is free to pivot about a firstaxis and about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. Theextractor includes a locking portion that engages with a correspondinglocking element in the slide. This and other implementations can eachoptionally include one or more of the following features.

In some implementations, the locking portion is configured to engagewith the corresponding locking element in the slide when the extractoris pivoted into a first position about the second axis.

In some implementations, the extractor is prevented from rotating aboutthe first axis when the extractor is in the first position about thesecond axis, and the extractor is free to pivot about the first axiswhen the extractor is in a second position about the second axis.

In some implementations, the extractor includes an extractor body, andthe second axis is substantially aligned with a width of the extractorbody extending between an external surface of the extractor and aninternal surface of the extractor.

In some implementations, the extractor is prevented from pivoting aboutthe first axis when the extractor is in the first position about thesecond axis, and wherein the extractor is free to pivot about the firstaxis when the extractor is in a second position about the second axis.

In some implementations, the beveled second portion of the upper surfacedefines a locking surface on the locking portion.

In some implementations, the extractor is configured to pivot into thefirst position about the second axis under recoil forces of a firearm.

In some implementations, the first position about the second axis is alocked position and a second position about the second axis is anunlocked position.

In some implementations, a portion of the extractor is narrower than anextractor housing in the firearm slide so as to permit the extractor topivot about the second axis when installed within the firearm slide.

In a third general aspect, innovative aspects of the subject matterdescribed in this specification can be embodied in a method ofmanufacturing a cartridge case extraction system for a firearm. Themethod includes providing a firearm slide having a locking element.Providing an extractor having a locking portion configured to engagewith the locking element in the slide. Installing the extractor withinthe slide such that the extractor is free to pivot about a first axisand about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis, and theextractor is prevented from pivoting about the first axis when thelocking portion of the extractor is engaged with the locking element inthe slide.

The concepts described herein may provide several advantages. Forexample, implementations of the invention may provide a more secureengagement between an extractor and a bullet casing. Implementations mayprevent firearm malfunctions due to un-extracted or partially-extractedcasings. Implementations may provide for more consistent extraction ofbullet casings from high pressure rounds.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded diagram of an example firearm slide assemblyin accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an example firearm extractor inaccordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an example semiautomatic firearm during recoil.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the operation of the example extractor from a topcutaway view of the firearm slide and extractor.

FIGS. 7A-7B depict the operation of the example extractor from anejection port side view of the firearm slide and extractor.

FIGS. 8A-8B depict the operation of the example extractor from frontcutaway view of the firearm slide and extractor.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed to anextractor and extraction system for a firearm. The extractor is designedhave two degrees of freedom of motion within an extractor housing of afirearm slide. The extractor can pivot about a lateral axis between alocked and unlocked position. When the extractor is in the unlockedposition, the extractor is free to pivot about a vertical axis that issubstantially orthogonal to the lateral axis. When the extractor is inthe locked position, the extractor is mechanically prevented frompivoting about the vertical axis. In some implementations, the extractoris designed so that recoil forces of the firearm cause the extractor topivot about the lateral axis into the locked position during the caseextraction operation of the firearm. In some implementations, themechanical locking action of the extractor may provide more reliablecase extraction than present extractor designs.

For simplicity, implementations of the present disclosure will bedescribed in reference to a semiautomatic handgun, however, one skilledin the art would appreciate that one or more of the implementationsdescribed below also may be incorporated into other firearms designs.

As used herein, the term “semiautomatic firearm” refers to a firearmwhich automatically extracts a spent cartridge casing and chambers a newround after each shot. The semiautomatic firearm uses a portion of theenergy from a firing round to extract a spent cartridge casing from thefired round, cock the firearm, and chamber a new round with each pull ofthe trigger, but requires a separate pull of the trigger to fire the newround.

As used herein, the term “non-semiautomatic firearm” refers to a firearmwhich requires a user to manually manipulate some mechanism of thefirearm to chamber a new round after each shot.

As used herein, the term “automatic firearm” refers to a firearm whichautomatically extracts a spent cartridge casing, chambers a new roundafter each shot, and fires the new round in a repeating fashion with asingle pull of the trigger. In an automatic firearm, this processrepeats until the trigger is released or all of the ammunition in thefirearm is expended.

As used herein, the terms “orthogonal” or “substantially orthogonal”refer to a relation between two elements (e.g., lines, axes, planes,surfaces, or components) that forms a ninety degree (perpendicular)angle within acceptable engineering, machining, or measurementtolerances. For example, two surfaces can be considered orthogonal toeach other if the angle between the surfaces is within an acceptabletolerance of ninety degrees (e.g., ±1-2 degrees).

As used herein, the terms “aligned,” “substantially aligned,”“parallel,” or “substantially parallel” refer to a relation between twoelements (e.g., lines, axes, planes, surfaces, or components) as beingoriented generally along the same direction within acceptableengineering, machining, drawing measurement, or part size tolerancessuch that the elements do not intersect or intersect at a minimal angle.For example, two surfaces can be considered aligned with each other ifsurfaces extend along the same general direction of a device.

As used herein, the term “recoil forces” refers forces exerted onvarious components of a firearm (e.g., breech face, slide, frame, recoilspring) which balance the forward momentum of a projectile beingdiscarded from the firearm. Recoil forces are generally experienceddirectly at the breach face and transmitted through the breach face toother components of the firearm.

As used herein, terms describing relative directions or orientations(e.g., front, back/rear, distal, proximate, top/upper, bottom/lower) ofvarious elements are used in reference to the perspective of a userholding a firearm. Thus, for example, the distal/front edge or surfaceof a component refers to that edge or surface of the component that isnearest or facing the muzzle of the firearm when the component properlyinstalled in the firearm. Similarly, for example, the back/proximateedge or surface of a component refers to that edge or surface of thecomponent that is farthest from or facing away from the muzzle of thefirearm when the component is properly installed in the firearm.Likewise, for example, the top/upper edge or surface of a componentrefers to that edge or surface of the component that is nearest orfacing the top of the firearm when the component is properly installedin the firearm and the firearm is held in a normal firing position.Finally, for example, the bottom/lower edge or surface of a componentrefers to that edge or surface of the component that is nearest orfacing the bottom of the firearm when the component is properlyinstalled in the firearm and the firearm is held in a normal firingposition.

Firearms can be designed with ejection ports on either the right or leftside of the firearm. For that reason lateral directions or orientations(e.g., right side, left side) of various elements are used in referenceto either the ejection port (e.g., ejection port side or non-ejectionport side) or whether an edge or surface of a component is orientedinternal to or external from the firearm.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded diagram of an example firearm slide assembly100 in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. Theslide assembly 100 includes a firearm slide 102, an extractor 104, andan extractor spring assembly 105 which includes an extractor spring 106and a plunger 108. The slide 102 includes an ejection port 110 on oneside of the slide 102 (e.g., the right hand side as depicted). A breechface 112 is located on an internal surface of the slide 102. Inoperation, the breech face 112 contacts the rear face of a cartridgecasing. In addition, the slide 102 includes an extractor housing 114 inwhich the extractor 104 is installed. The extractor housing 114 includesan extractor pivot interface 116 and an exit hole 118 of a springassembly channel. The spring assembly channel (not shown) extendsthrough the slide 102 from a rear face of the slide 102 to the exit hole118 in the extractor housing 114.

In some implementations, the slide assembly 100 may include additionalcomponents that are not shown. For example, the slide assembly caninclude one or more of the following: a safety mechanism, a firing pinand firing pin spring, a striker and striker assembly, a decockingmechanism, and a slide cover plate.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the example firearm extractor 104in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. Referringto both FIGS. 1 and 2, the extractor 104 has a body 120 with a front ordistal end 122 and a back or proximate end 124. In addition, theextractor body 120 has a top surface 134, front surface 136, rearsurface 138, internal surface 140, and external surface 142. Theextractor 104 has a casing engagement edge 126 extending from the distalend 122 of the body 120. As described in more detail below, the casingengagement edge 126 is configured to engage the head of a cartridge casein order to extract the case from the chamber of a firearm. A pivot 128extends outward at the proximate end 124 of the extractor body 120. Insome implementations (e.g., as shown), the pivot 128 extends from theinternal surface 140 of the extractor body 120. Furthermore, the pivot128 includes a lip 129 that engages with a corresponding edge 117 in thepivot interface 116. For example, the pivot interface 116 may beundercut slightly to form the edge 117.

The top surface 134 of the extractor body 120 includes a locking portion130. A second, lower surface 144 is adjacent to the locking portion 130.The lower surface 144 is beveled or cut slightly lower than the lockingportion 130, thereby, forming a locking edge or locking surface 132 onthe extractor. The height (H1) of the portion of the extractor body 120that includes the locking portion 130 is greater than the height (H2) ofthe portion of the extractor body 120 that includes the lower surface144. Furthermore, the height (H2) is narrower than the height of theextractor housing 114 in the slide 102 to permit the extractor 104 topivot up and down about a lateral axis (e.g., in the x-axis). Forexample, the lateral axis can be substantially aligned with a width ofthe extractor 104 and substantially perpendicular to the length of theextractor 104. As described in more detail below, the locking portion130 is configured to engage with a locking element in the slide 102during the recoil of a firearm, and thereby, improve the reliability ofthe firearm.

In some examples, the bevel angle or depth of the cut to form the lowersurface 144 is dependent on the desired height of the locking portion130 or the depth of a corresponding locking element in the slide 102. Insome examples, the angle or depth of the cut to form the lower surface144 is determined based on the dimensions of a particular calibercartridge casing.

The extractor 104 is installed within the extractor housing 114 of theslide 102. When the extractor 104 is installed in the extractor housing114, the pivot 128 engages the pivot interface 116. The pivot interface116 is generally concave and configured to accept the pivot 128 whilepermitting pivoting motion of the extractor 104 within the extractorhousing 114. In some implementations, the pivot 128 and pivot interface116 are similar to a ball and socket joint.

The extractor spring assembly 105 is installed in the spring assemblychannel of the slide 102. The extractor spring 106 extends through thechannel exit hole 118 and engages the rear surface 138 of the extractorbody 120. The extractor spring assembly 105 can be retained in placewith a locking mechanism (e.g., a pin or slide cover plate). Theextractor spring 106 applies a bias force to the extractor 104. The biasforce pushes the extractor forward within the extractor housing 114causing the pivot lip 129 to engage the edge within the pivot interface116 and, thereby, retain the extractor 104 within the extractor housing114 during the operation of a firearm. In addition, the spring biasesthe extractor to pivot about a vertical axis (e.g., in the z-direction)such that the extractor edge 126 is biased in a direction towards thevertical center plane of the breech face 112.

When installed in the extractor housing 114, the pivot 128 and pivotinterface 116 are configured to permit the extractor to pivot about twoaxes; a vertical axis (z-direction) and a lateral axis (x-direction).For example, the vertical axis can be substantially orthogonal to thelateral axis. As explained in more detail below, the extractor 104design (e.g., pivot 128, locking portion 130, and lower surface 144)permits the extractor to pivot about the lateral axis (e.g., upwards)during the recoil of a firearm, thereby, causing the locking portion 130to engage a corresponding locking element (e.g., a locking channel) inan upper surface of the extractor housing 114 within the slide 102.Consequently, during the recoil of a firearm the extractor 104 isprevented from pivoting away from the vertical center plane of thebreech face 112 about the vertical axis. The locking function mayprovide a more secure engagement between the extractor 104 and acartridge casing being extracted from the chamber of the firearm.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an example semiautomatic firearm 300 during recoil.The firearm 300 includes a frame 302 and barrel 304. The barrel 304includes a chamber 305 and a muzzle 306. An ejector 310 is attached tothe frame 302 (FIG. 4) for ejecting empty cartridge casings 312 out ofthe firearm 300 through the ejection port 110.

The cycle of operations for an example semiautomatic firearm 300includes firing, case extraction, case ejection, cocking, feeding a newcartridge, and chambering the new cartridge. After the firearm 300 isfired, recoil (or gas, or blowback) forces push the slide 102 rearward.The extractor 104 (specifically the extractor edge 126), which engageswith a rim of the empty casing 312, pulls the empty casing 312 from thechamber 305 as the slide 102 moves rearward. As the slide 102 continuesrearward the head of the empty casing 312 impacts the ejector 310 andthe empty casing 312 is ejected from the firearm 300 through theejection port 110. Upon reaching full travel, the firearm is cocked andthe slide 102 is forced back forward by a recoil spring. During itsforward travel, the slide 102 strips a new cartridge from a magazine andfeeds the new cartridge into the chamber 305. As the slide 102 feeds thenew cartridge into the chamber 305, the extractor 104 pivots, about thevertical axis, away from the slide 102 and breech face 112 as theextractor edge 126 engages with the new cartridge case.

In some situation with standard extractors, the empty cartridge casing312 may fail to be completely extracted from the chamber 305. Forexample, friction between the casing 312 and the inside walls of thechamber 305 can increase if the chamber 305 is dirty or due to excessiveexpansion of the case walls when high pressure ammunition is used. Insome examples, the extractor spring 106 may be too weak to maintain theextractor's positive engagement with the case 312. However, an extractorspring 106 cannot be made too stiff otherwise the extractor 104 will notproperly engage with the rim of new cartridges as they are feeding intothe chamber 305. This could result in the firearm not properly beginreturned to battery. As illustrated in FIGS. 5-8B and described below,the second pivoting action and the locking portion 130 ofimplementations of the extractor 104 described herein aid in maintainingproper engagement between the extractor edge 126 and the cartridgecasing 312 during the extraction process without adjustment to theextractor spring 106.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the operation of the example extractor 104 from atop cutaway view of the firearm slide 102 and extractor 104. The lockingelement 502 in the slide 102 is illustrated in the cutaway view of thefirearm slide 102 of FIGS. 5 and 6. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 5and 6, the locking element can be formed as a channel in the slide 102that is configured to accept the locking portion 130 of the extractor104.

In addition, FIGS. 5 and 6 include the vertical axis (z-axis) 504 andthe lateral axis (x-axis) about which the extractor 104 pivots.Together, FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the pivoting motion of the extractorabout the vertical axis 504. Both FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the extractor 104engaging a cartridge casing 312 during the forward motion of the slide102 as part of the chambering step of the firearms operation cycle.Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates the “hard chambering” of a cartridge,for example, when a cartridge is not feed from a magazine, but isalready, at least partially, inserted into a firearm's chamber. Thecartridge casing 312 is illustrated in more detail than in FIGS. 3 and4, and includes a casing head 508, an extractor groove 506, and a rim510.

Referring first to FIG. 5, as slide 102 moves forward into battery witha cartridge casing 312 at least partially chambered, the extractor 104pivots outward about the vertical axis 504 (away from the slide 102)against the pressure of the extractor spring 106 (shown in FIG. 1). Thismotion permits the extractor edge 126 to slide past the casing head 508such that the casing head can come into contact with the breech face112. During the forward motion, the extractor 104 rests in a lowerposition about the lateral axis 505 such that the locking portion 130does not engage with the locking element 502.

As shown in FIG. 6, as the extractor edge 126 passes the casing rim 510,the extractor 104 pivots, about the vertical axis 504, back toward theslide 102 under the force of the extractor spring 106 and the extractoredge 126 engages the extractor groove 506 and rim 510 of the case head508. In this position, the locking portion 130 is aligned with thelocking element 502 of the slide 102.

During normal chambering (e.g., from a magazine), as the slide 102strips a new round from a magazine during its forward motion, theextractor 104 will generally remain aligned with the locking element502, but may pivots outward slightly about the vertical axis 504 (awayfrom the slide 102). When feed from a magazine, the casing head 508 doesnot slide past the extractor edge 126, but slides along and behind theextractor edge 126 and up the. During normal chambering, the extractor104 may or may not engage the locking element 502 in the slide 102 sincethe extractor's 104 rotation about a vertical axis 504 during normalchambering is slight and generally the locking portion 130 does nottravel past the locking element 502.

FIGS. 7A-7B depict the operation of the example extractor 104 from anejection port side view of the firearm slide 102. FIGS. 8A-8B depict theoperation of the example extractor 104 from a front cutaway view of thefirearm slide 102. FIGS. 7A and 8A illustrate the extractor 104 in afirst, unlocked position about the lateral axis 505. In the unlockedposition, the extractor 104 rests in a lower position (702) about thelateral axis 505 such that the locking portion 130 does not engage withthe locking element 502 of the slide 102. When the extractor edge 126 isengaged in the extractor groove 506 of a cartridge casing 312 or whenthere is no cartridge present in the firearm, the locking portion 130 ofthe extractor 104 is aligned with the locking element 502 in the slide102. When the extractor 104 is in this unlocked position, the extractor104 is free to pivot about the vertical 504 axis because the lockingportion 130 will pass under a side surface 802 of the locking element502. Furthermore, in the unlocked position, the lower surface 144 of theextractor 104 sits below the extractor housing such that a gap 804 isformed between an upper surface 806 of the extractor housing and thelower surface 144 of the extractor 104.

FIGS. 7B and 8B illustrate the extractor 104 in a second, lockedposition about the lateral axis 505. In the locked position, theextractor 104 is in an upper position (704) about the lateral axis 505such that the locking portion 130 engage with the locking element 502 inthe slide 102. When the extractor 104 is in the locked position theextractor 104 is prevented from pivoting about the vertical 504 axisbecause the locking surface 132 of locking portion 130 engages with theside surface 802 of the locking element 502 to prevent the extractor 104from pivoting outwards away from the slide 102. When the extractor edge126 is engaged in the extractor groove 506 of a cartridge casing 312 andthe extractor 104 is in the locked position, the extractor edge 126maintains a positive engagement with the case rim 510 during theextraction process. Furthermore, in some examples, in the lockedposition, the lower surface 144 of the extractor 104 may pivot upwards asufficient distance to close the gap 804 between an upper surface 806 ofthe extractor housing and the lower surface 144 of the extractor 104. Insome examples, the lower surface 144 is cut or beveled a sufficientdistance below the locking portion 130 to allow the locking portion 130to fully engage the locking element 502.

For example, during the extraction step of the firearm's operationcycle, the reward motion (706) of the slide 102 under recoil (e.g., seeFIG. 4) causes the extractor 104 to shift into the locked position. Themechanical lock formed between the locking portion 130 of the extractorand the locking element 502 of the slide may, for example, provide astronger force for maintaining engagement between the extractor edge 126and the case rim 510 during case extraction than an extractor spring 106can provide. Thus, in some implementations, the overall reliability of afirearm can be improved by preventing or reducing firearm malfunctionsrelated to the failure to extract a cartridge.

Although the locking portion 130 has been described and illustrated a asa protrusion or tab extending from the extractor 104 and the lockingelement 502 in the slide 102 has been described and illustrated as acorresponding channel formed in the slide 102, the structure of thelocking portion 130 and locking element 502 is not so limited. Morespecifically, the locking portion 130 of the extractor and the lockingelement 102 of the slide can include other corresponding lockingmechanisms that prevent the extractor 102 from pivoting laterally duringthe extraction of a cartridge casing. For example, in someimplementations, the locking portion 130 can be formed as a channel inthe extractor 104 and the locking element 502 can be formed as acorresponding protrusion from the slide 102.

Although the extractor has been described above in reference to animplementation for use in a semiautomatic pistol slide, in someimplementations the extractor can be incorporated into or configured foruse in other firearm designs. For example, the extractor can beconfigured for use in automatic, semiautomatic, or non-semiautomaticpistols and rifles. More specifically, for example, the extractor can beconfigured for use in a firearm bolt (e.g., a bolt for a lever action,pump action, or bolt action firearm). For example, in suchimplementations, the manual operation of the firearm bolt (e.g., cyclingthe bolt rearward) may provide the force necessary to pivot theextractor into the upper, locked position when extracting an emptycartridge casing.

An extraction system for a firearm can be manufactured by providing afirearm slide 102 (or bolt) having a locking element 502 and providingan extractor 104 having a locking portion 130 that is configured toengage with the locking element 502 in the slide 102. The extractor 104can be installed within the slide 102 such that the extractor is free topivot about a first (vertical) axis and about a second (lateral) axis(or any two axes that are normal to one another). Furthermore, theextractor 104 is installed such that the extractor 104 is prevented frompivoting about the vertical axis when the locking portion 130 of theextractor 104 is engaged with the locking element 502 in the slide 102.

In some implementations, the locking element 502 can be provided in anupper surface of an extractor housing 114 in the slide 102. In someimplementations, the locking portion 130 of the extractor can be formedby creating a cutting or beveling a top surface 134 of the extractorbody 120 to form both the locking portion 130 and a lower surface 144 onthe top of the extractor body 120.

In some implementations, the extractor is provided with a pivot 128 andthe slide 102 is provided with a corresponding pivot interface 116. Thepivot 128 can include a lip 129 that engages with a corresponding edge117 in the pivot interface 116. In some implementations, installing theextractor 104 within the slide 102 includes installing an extractorspring assembly 105 within the slide 102 to retain the extractor 104within the slide during the operation of a firearm and to provide a biasforce on the extractor 104.

While a number of examples have been described for illustrationpurposes, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scopeof the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims.There are and will be other examples and modifications within the scopeof the following claims.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A firearm comprising: a frame; a barrel coupled tothe frame; a slide or bolt comprising a locking element, wherein theslide or bolt is coupled to the frame; and an extractor installed withinthe slide or bolt such that the extractor is free to move from anunlocked position to a locked position during an operation of the slideor bolt, the extractor comprising a locking portion that engages withthe locking element when the extractor is in the locked position,thereby, preventing the extractor from moving during extraction of acartridge casing from a chamber of the firearm.
 22. The firearm of claim21, wherein the frame is a rifle frame.
 23. A firearm comprising: aframe; a slide or bolt coupled to the frame; and an extractor installedwithin the slide or bolt such that the extractor is free to move from anunlocked position to a locked position during an operation of the slideor bolt.
 24. The firearm of claim 23, wherein in the locked position,the extractor is prevented from moving during extraction of a cartridgecasing from a chamber of the firearm.
 25. The firearm of claim 23,wherein in the unlocked position, the extractor is free to move duringchambering of a cartridge into a chamber of the firearm.
 26. The firearmof claim 23, wherein the extractor is configured to transition from theunlocked position to the locked position during an extraction operationof the slide or bolt.
 27. The firearm of claim 23, wherein the extractoris configured to transition from the unlocked position to the lockedposition under recoil forces of the firearm.
 28. The firearm of claim23, wherein the slide or bolt comprises a locking element, and whereinthe extractor comprises a locking portion that engages with the lockingelement when the extractor is in the locked position.
 29. The firearm ofclaim 28, wherein the locking element comprises a channel in the slideor bolt.
 30. The firearm of claim 28, wherein the locking portioncomprises a protrusion from a surface of the extractor, the protrusionshaped to engage with the locking element.
 31. The firearm of claim 23,further comprising an extractor spring installed within the slide orbolt and in contact with the extractor so as to apply a bias force tothe extractor.
 32. A firearm cartridge extraction system comprising: aslide or bolt; and an extractor configured to be installed within theslide or bolt such that the extractor is free to move from an unlockedposition to a locked position during an operation of the slide or bolt.33. The system of claim 32, wherein in the locked position, theextractor is prevented from moving during extraction of a cartridgecasing from a chamber of the firearm.
 34. The system of claim 32,wherein in the unlocked position, the extractor is free to move duringchambering of a cartridge into a chamber of the firearm.
 35. The systemof claim 32, wherein the extractor is configured to transition from thefirst position to the second position during an extraction operation ofthe slide or bolt.
 36. The system of claim 32, wherein the extractor isconfigured to transition from the unlocked position to the lockedposition under recoil forces of the firearm.
 37. The system of claim 32,wherein the slide or bolt comprises a locking element, and wherein theextractor comprises a locking portion that engages with the lockingelement when the extractor is in the locked position.
 38. The system ofclaim 37, wherein the locking element comprises a channel in the slideor bolt.
 39. The system of claim 37, wherein the locking portioncomprises a protrusion from a surface of the extractor, the protrusionshaped to engage with the locking element.
 40. The system of claim 32,further comprising an extractor spring installed within the slide orbolt and in contact with the extractor so as to apply a bias force tothe extractor.